Take Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!

The 25 September 2017 marked the 2nd anniversary since the Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the leaders of 193 countries in 2015. Hundreds of public mobilisation events were held around the world to raise public awareness on the goals and to speak up for civil society’s fundamental role in delivering the agenda. To achieve the goals in every country and community, governments must include citizens and civil society in national implementation plans. To date, here in Ireland, the delivery of any action on the SDGs has been slow.

Sr Maureen O’Connell PBVM seen here on the right carrying the banner with a message for Ireland’s Prime Minister

In Dublin, Coaltion 2030, organised its own event, marching with a banner carrying a message for the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Mr Leo Varadkar. Sr Maureen O’Connell, PBVM, from the Congregational Coordinating Team for Justice (CCT-J) of the Presentation Sisters, along with many other supporters marched across the city – from Rosie Hackett Bridge to the James Connolly Memorial Statue and on to the Famine Memorial and the Human Rights and Poverty Stone on Customs House Quay. There was a special message from the President of the Republic of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, which was read out and prominent speakers highlighted the need for urgent action by the Irish Government and urged leaders to include citizens and civil society in the Irish implementation plans.